E!'s Best TV shows of the past 20 years - agree/disagree?

This video is hilarious; a great recap of the top show, according to this list:



The E! network is celebrating their 20th year on television, and Kristin Dos Santos, E! Online's resident television correspondent, compiled a list of the 20 greatest TV shows of the last 20 years. The list goes as follows:

1. Lost
2. Friends
3. Buffy the Vampire Slayer
4. Alias
5. Felicity
6. Dexter
7. Arrested Development
8. Veronica Mars
9. Seinfeld
10. The Office
11. Modern Family
12. The Daily Show
13. Sex and the City
14. 24
15. Six Feet Under
16. True Blood
17. Friday Night Lights
18. The Sopranos
19. Grey's Anatomy
20. Survivor

Now, whenever anyone makes fairly subjective lists such as this, there's bound to be plenty of debate and discussion about the choices, and this list is no exception.

For me, the absolute biggest and most glaring omission is that of the Wire. Now, I know E! is a "Hollywood" network, in the sense that the network and its website are devoted to covering major stars, which is something that the Wire lacked, so it didn't get much (if any) coverage by the network during its run. However, just because it wasn't the most-buzzworthy show doesn't mean that it should have been brushed aside by Dos Santos and any E! representative who would agree with her list. Personally, no show has left me as emotionally attached to its characters and engaged in the complicated (but extraordinary) plots as David Simon's series. (Similarly, I'm a bit angry that Entertainment Weekly's 100 Greatest Characters of the Last 20 Years list only included Omar Little from the show, leaving out other spectacularly admirable and flawed characters such as Jimmy McNulty and Bubbles.)

Also, where is 30 Rock? I love(d) the Office, but I think that every season of "30 Rock" has been superior in quality to the Office minus that show's second season, which, rightfully, won the Outstanding Comedy Series Emmy in 2006. While I agree with "the Daily Show" being included, I would have also included the Colbert Report, due to Stephen Colbert's amazing blowhard character, and the writing staff's ability to come up with brilliant segments such as the Wørd. I've never watched the show, but I'm very surprised that the Shield isn't on this list either, it was so critically acclaimed during its run.

What should be bumped to make room for these shows? I'm really surprised by her inclusion of Alias and Felicity in the top 5. While Alias was beloved by fans, it seemed to have lost a lot of steam towards the end of the series. And, while I was only in elementary school when Felicity aired, I really do not remember it getting the critical raves or massive popularity to warrant such a high spot on this list. I can't help but feel like any show who lost so much popularity when its star cut her hair wasn't really that beloved to begin with. Well, judging by 3 JJ Abrams shows being in the top 5, maybe it was rigged!

I'm a big Veronica Mars fan, but even I wonder about its inclusion. Its first season combined a fantastic, Twin Peaks-style season-long mystery with the mysteries of the week a la X Files (hey, where is that on this list?), and its second season was entertaining enough. However, most die-hard VM fans refuse to acknowledge the existence of its third and final season, after the CW network meddled with it. This wasn't just a "weak" season, it was truly bad and boring. I haven't watched it in 2 years, but I continually rewatch the first two seasons.

Is Modern Family too new to be included (people keep yelling at me to watch this; I saw the first two episodes and wasn't a fan, I think I'm going to catch up over the summer)? Also, am I the only person who remembered how many people thought True Blood was really stupid in its first season? I remember people being either neutral about it or downright annoyed with it in 2008. Then, all of a sudden, last year, it was the greatest thing since a bloody piece of raw steak. I don't watch it, but was the second season really that good that it warranted a spot on this list? Again, I don't watch. I'd love to hear what fans of the show think.

I wonder about Grey's Anatomy as well. I think it does its "very special episodes" well (the post-Super Bowl 2006 bomb in the hospital episodes were quite engrossing, and this season's finale was as well), but I had to stop watching because week after week, it just seemed too mundane. It's not a bad show overall, I just don't know if it's one of the best (especially when ER and House were excluded, although both had weak points as well).



Am I completely off-base, is Kristin? Are we both right or wrong? I love hearing why pepople like and dislike shows, so please comment with your thoughts!

American Idol: Bowersox v. DeWyze

Tonight marked the end of the much-maligned ninth season of American Idol, and in one final upset, Lee DeWyze, the paint salesman from Mount Prospect, Ill. (near Chicago) beat out Ellison, Ohio (near my home, Toledo) native Crystal Bowersox.

While Lee certainly had a fair amount of fans, it seemed fairly obvious that in this weak season, Crystal was the clear winner, and arguably had the most powerful voice in the competition, and understandably, people are upset about this, myself included.

Now, I realize that I may be biased due to Crystal's connection to my city. She's been performing at Toledo-area venues for over 10 years, and she has a lot of pride for the city, so I wanted to see her win. However, and judging by online reaction to this finale, I just feel as though Lee was not deserving of this title.

I see why people like Lee. He's not TERRIBLE. I just don't think he's a good enough of a singer or performer to warrant winning the title. I just think Crystal was far superior. I know there was a lot of outcry over Kris Allen winning over Adam Lambert last year, but I think even that upset was a little more understandable, because Kris was more consistent and less dry than Lee is. This is just outrageous to me.

Again, I don't mean to sound like I hate Lee, because I don't. I like singer-songwriters like Lee a lot, and I may end up liking the music he records. But in terms of this competition, Crystal was just far superior in performance technique and singing. His performances, while not necessarily BAD, were boring to me. I'd rather watch the paint he sells dry than watch him. I could not get behind a contestant who was so dry AND lacked an absolutely outstanding voice.

I can see that Lee got a lot of women votes based on his looks and personality (I'm sure he's a nice guy, as the judges kept reminding viewers Tuesday). However, on the other hand, I JUST CAN'T BELIEVE enough of them voted to make this upset. This contest is not one about personality and appearance, it's about talent and performances, simple as that. Even though I've given up on American Idol, prior to the finale I went back and watched all of Lee and Crystal's performances, and I just find it difficult to support Lee when he was up against Crystal. He was just a poor choice for a winner, in my opinion, especially against Crystal. America (or the producers, if you're like me and you think the votes aren't the ONLY way the winner is picked) picked someone too generic when there were memorable alternatives.


As a Toledoan, I'm very proud of Crystal. She's struggled in Toledo, and she's really made a name for herself in local bars and clubs. Her song, "Holy Toledo," written about the city, is really beautiful, in my opinion. Even though she did not win, she's done my city proud. For so long, the few times Toledo is in the spotlight, it's been for crazy things (usually involving our former mayor, Carty Finkbeiner). Crystal brought pride to our city, and in the media coverage I've seen of Crystal, I feel Toledoans have done a good job of proving their pride for her.

Lord knows I haven't voted since Clay Aiken lost in 2003 (yes, I'm still bitter about that, thank you), but I voted for Crystal, because I love seeing a Toledoan succeed. Maybe I cursed her! Even with this loss, northwest Ohio is very proud of her. Though she was stuck on what is largely considered the weakest season ever, she still proved that she is a worthy competitor, and I hope it brings her good fortune in the future.

The only positives are that Crystal will not be burdened with the rigid contract the show makes the winners sign. Ricky Gervais' appearance was an unexpected surprise, too. Plus, maybe the outcry over Lee winning and this season being an overall disappointment coupled with Simon Cowell leaving will spell the end for this tired show. I'm so glad I stopped watching it in season 7 (even though seasons 7 and 8 are largely viewed as fan favorites).


Agree, disagree? I'm very curious to see what people have to say about this outcome, and what the future will bring for Lee, Crystal and the show, so leave a comment!

Also, here's Crystal singing her ode to our home, "Holy Toledo."

Conan O'Brien at Michigan State University 5/21/10

Conan O’Brien told the crowd at Michigan State University’s Breslin Center on May 21 that he hoped attendees would walk away thinking, “Wow, that was sort of worth it.”

Judging by the boisterous reactions of the crowd, Conan’s “Legally Prohibited from Being Funny on Television Tour” did not disappoint. For two hours, Conan entertained the crowd with a mix of stand-up, musical performances, familiar features of his former shows and some special guests.

After opener Reggie Watts and the Legally Prohibited Band (featuring familiar faces such as Richie “LaBamba” Rosenberg, whose face Conan later licked during the show) started the show, Conan took the stage wearing a MSU jersey underneath his sport coat. It was so crazy to see those long legs walking out on stage, doing the String Dance.

He explained his excitement for being in Michigan, and the warm response from the Spartans. The crowd ate up Conan’s name-checking of local restaurants and businesses (he claimed that his new job will be at the East Lansing “Meijers,” which is a common Midwestern trait: adding an S to a store name, such as Krogers, KMarts, etc.), as well as direct digs at school rivals.

According to Conan, he rejected a bid by the University of Michigan to play on their campus. “I don’t like that school,” he told the crowd. Then, he added the line which got the most applause that evening, “Any school that needs a football stadium that big must have a small penis.” He joked that the school had a major drinking problem, since the students in attendance at the show clearly did not realize that school ended weeks ago. “Your mascot should be a hung-over Spartan vomiting into his helmet.”

Conan was not alone that evening. Longtime sidekick Andy Richter joined in on the fun, as did Triumph the Insult Comic Dog in a pre-taped segment which had local jokes dubbed into the tape. According to Triumph, his excrement made its way onto the restaurant of local eatery Chunky’s. Even though it’s meant as an insult, that bit (as well as the shout-out to the Riv) will likely remain the best possible press for the restaurant.

Deon Cole, a former writer for Conan, also took the stage for standup. Sarah Killen, the Michigan resident who got 15 minutes of fame after Conan chose her Twitter account as the only one he’d follow, hugged Conan onstage.

She pulled the “Walker, Texas Ranger” Lever, rechristened the “Chuck Norris, Rural Policeman Handle” due to Conan’s former employer, NBC, owning the intellectual rights over the original name. For the same reason, “the Self-Pleasuring Panda” visited the crowd, instead of the notorious Masturbating Bear.

Seeing the Masturbating Bear (no, I will not use the new name. Screw NBC.), uh, ‘perform’ live was so much more fulfilling than on the TV, and seeing Andy kick him in the nether region nearly made me lose it. As Conan said, “some men don’t like that!”
Both bits brought familiar elements of Conan’s shows to the audience (including the famous “Walker” clip where Haley Joel Osment’s character bluntly states that “Walker told me I have AIDS”), and reminded people why they paid to see the show live. As Conan said, he was the first time people ever paid to see him, and in return, he attempted to make the show as personal as possible.

I felt kind of geeky for being the only person in the Breslin Center yelling out the infamous “Walker told me I have AIDS” line during the “Walker, Texas Ranger” bit, yet I didn’t care too much, because the bit was so hilarious that it didn’t matter how big of a fool I made of myself.

While Conan is best known for his comedy, another passion of his is music. Throughout much of the show, Conan had a guitar in his hand, singing original and parody songs (such as “My Own Show Again” to the tune of “On the Road Again”), which brought a unique spin to his comedy not often seen on television.

In keeping with the musical theme, Conan’s guest that evening, Michigan native Kid Rock, took the stage to explain, in song, why he would make a good president. “I’d put TV cameras in the Lincoln Bedroom, and the whole nation could watch Rock layin’ it down,” he sang. Even though I’m not a Kid Rock fan, his bit was fun. I support his presidential platform promise of giving mothers who raise the nation’s children a paid vacation. I like that he still lives in Clarkston, Mich., and has a lot of pride for the state.

Reggie Watts and Deon Cole weren’t my favorite parts of the show, but they did make me laugh quite a few times. Reggie’s song about women and their purses with their crumbling eye shadow was pretty dead-on, and I learned via Deon’s bit and audience participation that white people are afraid of black people seeing them play hockey. Luckily, as he said, no black person will watch hockey.

Conan’s show combined the best of his comedy with his personal musical hobbies, his friends in show businesses and local flavor to create a show that kept the audience laughing and cheering all night. At the end of the show, Conan ran through the crowd of the Breslin Center, high-fiving and hugging fans in the audience, all the way up to the upper sections of the arena.

I just can’t begin to describe how much fun the show was. Conan clearly put his all into the show, and even with the long hours and insane schedule (our show was the fourth of a five-day in a row schedule that week, in addition to a trip to New York earlier in the week for TBS upfronts, then back to Chicago to perform), he was still full of an insane amount of energy. I loved that he ran out into the audience with very little restraint, and really tried to make it a great experience for the audience.

He made the show as personal as possible, showing that even though he may have fared well financially in the wake of the NBC controversy, he still cared about the people who made him popular. He will begin his new show on TBS Nov. 8, so it is unlikely that Conan will have the chance to tour again. So, for those lucky people who had the chance to attend the Legally Prohibited Tour, it will be a memorable and unique experience.

Judging by the massive audience applause throughout the show, it seemed fairy unanimous that Conan made the show more than “sort of worth it.” MSU’s representatives of “Team Coco” can sleep well knowing that they were able to be a part of such a riotous experience that showed why Conan has been beloved for nearly 20 years.

I took way too many pictures that night, you can find my pictures by clicking the photo at the top of the page. I just wish I had a better camera!

My videos can be found at my YouTube account. Here are two of my favorites.

Power Rangers provides a lame excuse for nostalgia

Since so many people, like me, are desperate to cling to their childhood, I figured I'd alert people of this.

Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers is back! Yes, folks, the 1990s bastion of gratuitous violence and poor special effects has returned. Nickelodeon has comissioned new episodes of the series, and old episodes to air on Nicktoons. Plus, it will also release new toys as tie-ins to the series.

Like a lot of kids, Power Rangers defined my existence between 1994 and 1996 or so. My mother and I went to the local lake with my late godmother and her children (all boys) in the summer of 1994, and they were obsessed with the series. They watched videos of the series all night long, and I became obsessed. I think, much as mother loved my godmother, she still kind of holds it against her for introducing me to the money sucking empire that was Power Rangers (and, in my opinion, rightfully so)!

I had so many toys connected to the series, it was outrageous. I can say that I had nearly every single toy featured on this website. I was always fascinated with the command center playset, which allowed for you to morph your voice like Zordon. To be honest, I still have the Spin Fighters set, complete with the Power Ranger-themed Thunderdome, and I've broken it out as recently as a year ago.

My favorite Power Rangers memories, however, revolve around the movie (which is on YouTube, by the way). My mom was always diligent about entering me in any contest our local Fox Kids affiliate put on, and one day, we got a call saying that I won tickets to a free advance screening of the movie.

The kicker? The screening was on my 6th birthday, June 27, 1995! I felt like the coolest, and luckiest kid ever. Since my parents were at home preparing for my birthday party, my aunt from Cleveland and my cousins went to the screening, and I was dressed as the White Ranger. I won't lie, it still remains one of my favorite days of my life, as pathetic as that sounds.

Later that summer, on vacation to the Mall of America, we stayed in Duluth, Minn. My parents surprised me by taking me to a late-night showing of the movie, and it was again, a great day. To this day, every time I hear Van Halen's "Dreams," I automatically associate it with the closing scene of the movie.

Wow, that was long-winded. Anyway, the point is, I know that I will probably watch every single rerun of MMPR that I catch on Nicktoons. Today, I realize how ridiculous the show was, yet, due to pure nostalgia and my desire to still be 6 years old, I'll still tune in.

How many Power Rangers toys did you all have? Favorite Ranger or villain? Any other awesome memories attached to the series, or did you spend all of your parents' money on some other popular culture craze?


Face-palming Lord Zedd thanks you for your time.

Daria on DVD!

It thrills me to no end to be able to say that I'm watching Daria on DVD. For 8 years since the show ended, disaffected and maladjusted 20-something and 30-somethings have resorted to torrents, YouTube accounts and fan-made copies of the show in order to get their fix of one of the most realistic characters ever.

So many of us can relate to Daria Morgendorffer; her unwillingness to be a know-it-all in class, her sarcasm, her inability to deal with social interaction. I think Jane Lane was one of the original hipsters, and so many girls had a crush on Trent Lane, it's ridiculous. My father shares many characteristics with Daria's father, Jake, and my freshman year guidance counselor looked incredibly similar to Mr. Demartino. His attitude, however, was manifested in a senior year teacher, instead!

The show reminds me so much of my life that watching it, and it reminds me of junior high, when my friends and I woefully mourned the end of the show in 2002. Unfortunately, the original music is mostly gone, since licensing the songs was far too expensive. However, for die-hard fans such as myself, I'm just happy to watch a high-quality version of the show!

I found it amazing that I had to go to two different Target stores yesterday to find it, so, apparently, demand is pretty high.

So, what's everyone's favorite Daria episode, character or quote? "Fizz Ed," the episode in which Lawndale High is co-opted by Ultra Cola and the school falls to pieces in the quest for more funding. Trent Lane is just a cartoon god; I wish I was friends with someone as cool as him!

As for my favorite quote, it's difficult to pick just one. A favorite? From Daria: "I think I may just skip college and stay at home. It'll save me the trouble of moving back home later." I feel like this would have been a smarter option for me, and it would have saved me some money, too!

"You're playing like Betty White out there:" as she proved on SNL, this is not an insult

(Image via Facebook. I love SNL bumpers regardless of who is featured in them, even though they're ridiculously Photoshopped, everyone always looks so nice.)

As I'm sure everyone and their grandmothers knew (and, I mean that ... didn't every grandmother know about this?), Betty White hosted SNL after Facebook users petitioned for the 88-year-old television icon to appear on the show. Expectations were high for the show, and, unlike most of the lackluster episodes this season, the show was funny from beginning to end.

One fact that's been proven this evening: Betty White could probably describe everything in the Kama Sutra and it would be inappropriate and hilarious. When she said such words and phrases as "Lez it up," "balls," "dust muffin," "Trojan" and more, it was just so insane and delightful.

Granted, it got a little silly with the sketches (even though I enjoyed Betty as Macgruber's grandma, one sketch would have been enough). But, with Betty's perfect balance of both deadpan and heartfelt line delivery, she could save even the weakest sketches.

Even though I'm not a fan of rap music, I was utterly captivated by Jay-Z's performance. He actually performs live, without a backing track (and, obviously, he would never use Auto Tune) and never misses a beat, very impressively. His backup singer, Bridget Kelly, is a great substitute for Alicia Keys, seamlessly singing her part on "Empire State of Mind." Plus, his dedicated to Betty at the end of "Young Forever" was sweet.

I'm upset the Vince Offer (ShamWow guy) joke didn't get more laughs, since, after all, the Internet loves Vince, and the Internet helped to put this show together. Plus, the CSI: Miami sunglasses/YEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH! meme is on the show. For anyone, like me, who watches too much TV and spends too much too much time on the Internet, it's like a cornucopia of awesome.

In all of the interviews she did before the show, Betty explained how nervous she was about doing the show. However, I think she really brought a fantastic energy to the show. The writers knew how to effectively utilize their host (this is something they have had problems with this season, especially with Ryan Reynolds), and I think they did a great job. The former female SNL castmembers (Rachel Dratch, Tina Fey, Ana Gasteyer, Amy Poehler, Maya Rudolph and Molly Shannon) didn't play as big of a role as Betty, but it was nice to see them again. SNL proved that they can remain relevant and funny.

As if there was any doubt about Betty's legacy in entertainment, she proved tonight that she can tackle anything (and, based on that Digital Short, anyone!) and remain relevant and hilarious no matter her age. I am glad such a random Internet movement helped to bring audiences such a hilarious show, and brought Betty a new career highlight. Any entertainer should aspire to be as wonderful and timeless as Betty. As this Facebook group says, The Internet should pick who hosts SNL more often.


The only Debbie Downer? Well, the lack of Debbie Downer! Plus, there was a rumor of a Golden Girls sketch that was likely cut during dress rehearsal. Yet, even without those moments, this will go down as a high point for this generation of SNL and its fans.

I hope Forss Fagerstrom shows up to Conan's show.

This is the Breslin Center at Michigan State University in East Lansing, Mich. It's the home of the Michigan State Spartans basketball team (who appeared in this year's Final Four), but, as someone who cares a minimal amount about sports, that fact is semi-irrelevant. For me, the Breslin Center has a different significance.

In 15 days, on May 21, it will be the venue where I see Conan O'Brien on his "Legally Prohibited From Being Funny on Television Tour."

Crazy, right? Back in March, when dates were announced, they sold out so quickly that I was unable to get a ticket, and it broke my heart that I couldn't witness this event, since it was likely to be Conan's only tour ever. I was filled with jealousy as I saw photos, videos and recaps from his shows throughout April. Then, one day a few weeks ago, I saw on Twitter that the school was going to host his tour on May 21, between his Chicago and Toronto dates, and tickets were a lot cheaper for this show than they were for the other shows.

I figured it was a long shot, since, as someone not enrolled at MSU, I could not participate in the student pre-sale, and they were only selling 4,500 tickets. However, I set my alarm last Monday bright and early to try to buy a ticket. After 15 gut-wrenching minutes of denial by the website, I was finally able to get into the ticketing system, and I got my ticket. The sense of accomplishment was honestly greater than my sense of accomplishment I got from graduating from high school, as pathetic as that sounds.

I won't ramble on about this for too long, since on May 22, I will update this blog with a ridiculously long recap. But, I am so thankful I have the chance to go, because I know how many people were in my original situation. Thank you, MSU, for not making this event only for MSU students, as Ohio State University did for Conan's May 24 show.

I'm not going to get my hopes up for guests, because, after all, who would be in the East Lansing area? The preceding Chicago shows and following Toronto shows will probably have great guests, and we'll get the shaft. I mean, two of my favorite people on the face of the earth, Jack McBrayer and Jason Mraz, have made guest appearances at his shows. I can't be that lucky! But, I'm not complaining too much, because seeing Conan, Andy Richter and the Legally Prohibited Band will be enough for me. Forss Fagerstrom showing up would be nice as well.



In Conan news that is not related to my shameless bragging, he was on 60 Minutes Sunday, discussing his exit with NBC. Personally, I thought he came across as crestfallen but not bitter, and it only made me love him more. You can watch the interview here:


Watch CBS News Videos Online

Additionally, CBS' YouTube account has some bonus videos. I'm partial to this one:



Oh, and this video is just for fun. It still cracks me up 2 1/2 years later. A fire alarm interrupts Conan, hilarity ensues.



NOTE: Although I am finished with my Online Journalism class for which this blog was created, I plan on keeping it up. I may be a bit less stringent on AP Style and may use slang/Internet lingo more in my updates. Additionally, my updates may not be as frequent as they were during the semester. Thanks for reading!